Within this context, the Senior Payroll Specialist plays a key role in supporting the organization’s operations through accurate, consistent and compliant payroll administration. The Payroll Department is responsible for all internal payroll functions, including timekeeping review, payroll processing, benefit deductions and payroll tax administration for all employees on a semi-monthly basis.
Reporting to the Payroll Manager, this position is responsible for full-cycle payroll processing, including reconciliation, auditing and recordkeeping. The role requires a high level of independence, strong judgment and the ability to consistently review and verify one’s own work for accuracy in a deadline-driven environment. This position also plays an important role in ensuring payroll data integrity and supporting post-payroll functions, including benefit reconciliations and audit readiness.
At YWCA, all staff are expected to actively engage in ongoing learning and apply training, tools and self-development to ground their work in the organization’s mission and commitment to anti-racism and social justice. This role contributes to that work by supporting equitable, consistent payroll practices across a diverse, multi-site workforce.
While YWCA’s mission focuses on eliminating racism and empowering women, our workforce is intentionally inclusive. We welcome applicants of all genders, identities, and backgrounds who are committed to advancing our mission.
NOTE: This is a hybrid position, with the ability to work remotely and scheduled in-office days at a YWCA location based on proximity to the employee’s residence. YWCA has locations across
Seattle, East King County and Snohomish County, allowing for a site assignment that supports both organizational needs and employee convenience.
Expectations of your role:
Payroll Processing & Administration
· Process end-to-end semi-monthly payroll for 320+ employees across multiple states.
· Ensure accurate calculation of wages, overtime, retroactive pay, bonuses, deductions, garnishments, and benefit withholdings.
· Review and audit timesheets for completeness, compliance, and proper approvals.
· Audit payroll data and system entries to identify and resolve discrepancies prior to finalization.
Reconciliation, Audit & Reporting
· Reconcile payroll to benefit invoices and the general ledger; partner with HR and Accounting to resolve discrepancies.
· Prepare payroll-related reconciliations, reports and documentation for month-end and year-end close, audits and funder reporting.
· Maintain audit-ready payroll records and documentation.
· Review state and federal payroll tax filings for accuracy and completeness.
Compliance & Data Integrity
· Maintain compliance with federal, state and local payroll laws and regulations, with a focus on Washington State requirements.
· Maintain payroll records and ensure accuracy, completeness and data integrity within payroll systems.
· Maintain and improve payroll procedures, internal controls and documentation.
Employee Support & Collaboration
· Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies, benefit issues and employee inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
· Collaborate with Human Resources on employee data changes, benefits, leaves and compensation updates.
· Monitor and respond to payroll-related email inquiries with clear, accurate communication.
· Deliver semi-monthly new hire orientation presentations related to payroll and timekeeping.
Additional Responsibilities
· Manage repayment tracking and monthly reconciliation of Employee Emergency Loans
· Cross-train across payroll functions and provide backup support across the payroll team.
· Actively engage in the agency’s Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI), supporting equitable practices and contributing to an inclusive workplace
Must have's to be successful:
Experience & Technical Knowledge
• 3 to 5 years of full-cycle payroll processing experience, including post-payroll reconciliations, benefit invoice reconciliation, and audit support.
• Demonstrated experience independently managing payroll in a deadline-driven environment, including timely completion of post-payroll tasks.
• Proven experience reconciling payroll to the general ledger and benefit invoices, with the ability to identify and resolve discrepancies without reliance on others.
• Experience supporting internal and external audits, including preparing payroll documentation and responding to audit requests.
• Experience with multi-state payroll preferred.
• Strong proficiency in Excel and experience with payroll systems, databases, and HRIS platforms
• Experience with Paylocity preferred.
Skills and Abilities
• Proven ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to review, audit and verify one’s own work and identify errors prior to final processing.
• Strong problem-solving skills and sound judgment in researching and resolving payroll discrepancies.
• High level of attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and confidentiality
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with employees at all levels.
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, including engagement in race and social justice efforts.
Hours, Rate, and Benefits
• Hourly Rate: $35.00
• Status: Full-Time, 40 hours per week
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Classification: Non-Exempt position.
• Excellent benefits package including medical insurance, retirement plan, plus generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave plans.
• At the time of hire, employees may choose to voluntarily enroll in the Fidelity 403b Plan. Typically, after two years of employment, employees are eligible to participate in the YWCA Retirement Fund with a 14% employer contribution.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. In performing this position, the employee:
• All positions at YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish are exposed to clients who have experienced or are experiencing trauma in various forms including but not limited to domestic violence, sexual violence, homelessness, unemployment, financial hardship, etc. As a result, staff are at risk of secondary trauma. Employees are encouraged to seek external support and maintain self-care when working indirectly or directly with clients.
• This position is primarily sedentary and performed in both remote and office environments. The role requires the ability to:
• Work at a computer for extended periods of time
• Use a computer, keyboard, and mouse for prolonged periods.
• Communicate effectively via phone, video and in writing.
• Occasionally move about the office to access files, attend meetings, or use office equipment.
• Occasionally lift or move items up to 10–15 pounds (e.g., files, office supplies)
Essential functions of the role can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation. YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to
enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position, in both on-site and remote work environments.
*Continuously = Over 80% of the time * Frequently = 20-80% * Occasionally = Under 20%
Skills Required
- 3 to 5 years of full-cycle payroll processing experience
- Demonstrated experience independently managing payroll in a deadline-driven environment
- Proven experience reconciling payroll to the general ledger and benefit invoices
- Experience supporting internal and external audits
- Experience with multi-state payroll preferred
- Strong proficiency in Excel and experience with payroll systems
- Experience with Paylocity preferred
What We Do
YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish is a multi-issue social service nonprofit organization that has been dedicated to empowering women, eliminating racism, and strengthening communities since 1894. The organization provides a wide range of vital services to women and families in need, including emergency housing, shelter, and various support programs, aiming to improve the health and well-being of the communities it serves across the Seattle, King, and Snohomish regions.
